The city will incentivize developers to take on projects that will renovate or redevelop unused city-owned properties.
A new proposal from Baltimore housing officials would take a “Whole Block” approach to redevelopment, incentivizing developers to invest in vacant, city-owned properties.
As Chevall Price explains in the Baltimore Sun, “The city will enter Land Disposition Agreements with both established and newer developers to renovate and reuse properties.” The goal is to integrate new developments into the community. “Applicants for the program must have proof of $90,000, a background check and good standing with finishing vacant buildings.”
Some city councilmembers expressed concern about the potential for non-local developers to buy properties to then rent out at high prices to local residents. The housing department says it is working with programs like Live Baltimore and Buy Back the Block to ensure opportunities for local and Black ownership.
Read the full story: Baltimore officials push block-by-block vacant housing redevelopment plan
Cleveland announces new Midline industrial investment district
The plan calls for at least 1.5 million square feet of new industrial and commercial space alongside housing.
Maryland Passes New Vacancy Tax Law
The law allows local jurisdictions to set tax rates for vacant lots and properties to discourage speculation and stimulate development.
Baton Rouge master plan aims to triple downtown population
The Louisiana capital wants to entice developers to its riverfront district.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority